Saturday, February 16, 2008

Needles are scarey for all of us and really scarey for our small children who don't understand why they have to get "stuck" to feel better. It doesn't make much sense to them. Here they are bleeding and hurt and the one they trust the most (mommy or daddy) is holding them down while some stranger (the nurse or lab tech) is trying to inflict even more pain on them. And sometimes when they aren't successful they try and try again. Tension is high! Then, when the child looks to find comfort in their parents eyes; all they find is stress and more fear. What a teriffying experience for them. And what a heart wrentching experience for us too. We are made to protect our children. But what is a parent to do? Our child needs this medication in order to stop the bleeding and in some cases to save their life.

I am sure many of you can tell us story after horrifying story (I have numerous ones myself). But I want to encourage you with a few things. First of all: You are NOT a bad parent, you are trying to do what is best for your child. Do not listen to the uninformed, judgemental chatter of others who don't have a clue what hemophilia is. I know it is often hard to do, but it is a must if you are truly going to benefit your child. Second: Get informed, get educated, read, ask questions, you need to become your child's best advocate. Because no one knows your child like you do! And I also want to mention a wonderful, helpful product that you can use to help cut down on the stress and pain of needle sticks for your child. Actually there are two; one is called LMX and the other is EMLA. They are topical numbing creams. They help numb the skin above where you are going to stick a vein so the child does not initially feel the stick. You can talk to your HTC doctor about getting some or your Home Care company. The cream is not a cure all, but it sure does help with the pain involved.

Needles unfortantely are going to be a part of their lives...but whatever we can do to "make it better" will definately help.